Fashion Herald Has Wonderful Things To Say

As many of you know while I work at Julien Farel, I have the pleasure of working with many editors and bloggers. I always have such wonderful articles written about their experiences. Here is one of the most recent blog posts with Fashion Herald's Tricia Lewis.

 Get Gorgeous Hair with Colorist Sherry Ratay

We're doing a rare "off-34th Street" post today as I had an opportunity to get my hair done by award-winning, celebrity colorist Sherry Ratay this morning at the Julien Farel Salon, a wonderful oasis for hair located north of 34th Street on Madison Avenue. I was too ecstatic with the results to not share.

#LobbySelfie

First up, the woman herself: Sherry is a personable, talented, and honest colorist (every girl's goal should be to have an honest colorist on speed dial). She immediately sat me down and asked me about myself. Our conversation went a lot like this:

Me (elevator hair pitch): "I'm busy, I'm broke, I'm a mom, I'm going grey. And I sometimes use box color."
Sherry (reacting only to the latter): "OK, don't do that. But if you have to, only do the top section."
Me (grey pitch): "Maybe I should go all grey?"
Sherry (emphatically): "No."
Me: "Maybe by 55?"
Sherry: "Maybe 60."
Me: "I want a good grey transition color."
Sherry: "Yeah, there's no such thing"

God, how I love a forthright and frank exchange. Next, Sherry and I talked color. I told her how I love a rich brown, but don't like red tones in my hair. She said today we would stick to a darker brown, but I should someday do a subtle reddish shine on the ends. In my mind I went "OMG IS SHE TALKING OMBRE?" Turns out no, but soon the actual conversation turned to ombre.

Me: "Sometimes I make fun of ombre on Twitter."
Sherry (slightly disapproving, like I should know better than to make fun of an unstoppable hair trend): "Ombre is very beautiful when done correctly."
Me: "..."
And then Sherry said something that might have changed the way I think about ombre forever.
Sherry: "When it looks like a young girl's hair when her color is growing in darker from her baby color, then ombre is beautiful."

I'm not quoting Sherry directly in any of this, but the way she said the above was damn poetic. And she knew her audience: my girl's blond hair is now coming in darker. Sometimes I hold her very blond ends up and think "goodbye, white blond!"

At this point Sherry went off to mix my color, and I Instagrammed a #BeforeSelfie where it's really hard to tell my hair color or see my grey roots (#godblessfilters).

Then Sherry applied color (she uses Beth Minardi Signature color), we had a comfortable chat, and I sat under the heat. Next up, the wonderful Alicia Delbrey, who is Creative Artistic Director at Salon Ratay, Sherry's salon in Orlando, Florida. They travel together to New York about once a month to work their magic at Julien Farel. Alicia trimmed my bangs and styled my hair into some kind of perfect, natural, yet mega-bouncy superwoman hairstyle. The end result? Beautiful, shiny-beyond-shiny color with tons of body. Bouncy body. 

We all said goodbye, and I went down to the lobby where Julien Farel has the perfect post-salon selfie mirror. There I took a million photos while wondering if the receptionist was watching me on the security cameras, debating whether she'd have to call security to get me out of the building. Or perhaps she's totally used to endless selfies in the lobby, because why else would you put that awesome mirror there?

So many ways to pose for the shine.

I then bounced my shiny hair down 57th Street to catch a bus on Fifth Avenue, because I wanted to keep all that glorious hair care above ground. Here's a good #NYC tip: Don't waste a good hair salon visit on subway lighting. 

To book an appointment with Sherry Ratay at Salon Ratay in Orlando, Florida, call (407-330-5151).

For NYC appointments contact the Julien Farel Salon Madison Avenue location, (212) 888-8988, for when Sherry and Alicia are in New York City.

- See more at: http://www.fashionherald.org/2013/12/get-gorgeous-hair-with-colorist-sherry.html#sthash.VhasWrNg.dpuf

Articles About Sherry Ratay!

I have recently had two articles written about me; both women were guests I had in New York at Julien Farel.

Fashion Pulse Daily's Julia DiNardo went in depth about how I created perfect red shade on her.

Colorist Sherry Ratay Takes My Haircolor to the Next Level

by Julia DiNardo

[My "before" and "after" pics]

 

Sherry Ratay is part colorist, part scientist, and overall a huge genius! I recently had the “Ratay experience” at the Julien Farel Salon in Manhattan, where the Orlando, Florida-based Ratay (if you’re in the Orlando area, check out Sherry’s salon, Salon Ratay!) comes every 4-6 weeks to cater to her New York clientele, which includes celebrities, influentials, and overall, women who just appreciate a custom, gorgeous hair shade. With color at the heart of her passion, Sherry is a 20+ year veteran of the industry, traveling and teaching the art of color all over the country.

Since going red nine months ago, I’m still navigating the exact shade that looks best on me, and I last refreshed the gingery hue myself via a box of at-home color. It did the trick for the time being, and as much as I know about beauty, there’s nothing like having a talented colorist work on your tresses!

I loved listening to Sherry wax poetic about mixing color which takes a keen eye, understanding of the product used, and from what I could gather, a deep knowledge of the numbering system for the colors and even some chemistry. Most of this, of course, goes on behind the scenes, so I don’t think most people have the opportunity to fully appreciate the thought process that goes into procuring the perfect color.  Talking to Sherry after my salon visit, she gave me the breakdown of my hair before, during, and after the process;

“To describe your haircolor on the day that we met…it wasn’t bad, but it just needed some TLC.  You are naturally a warm ginger shade, so I went in and erased some of the existing haircolor with deeper amber shades while also creating light golden ribbons throughout your hair style.  Warmth looks GREAT on you, with your light eye color,  porcelain skin, and of course your natural haircolor.  What I did was create a glow from within your hairstyle with the CORRECT shades.“

 

[After my new color is complete, with Sherry Ratay]

 

The end result, of course, ended up being stunning, and while at the salon I  felt assured that I would end up with a hue to match my personality, lifestyle, and looks, in Sherry’s able hands. While there, I also received a cut a trim and blow out from Alicia Delbrey, the Creative Artistic Director at Salon Ratay, who travels with Sherry when she goes to NYC. Love my look? Been craving a color change? Or a little bit of a color update? Book an appointment with Sherry Ratay at Salon Ratay in Orlando, Florida (407-330-5151) or contact the Julien Farel Salon Madison Avenue location for an appointment (212) 888-8988) when Sherry’s in New York City!

 

http://fashionpulsedaily.com/colorist-sherry-ratay-takes-my-haircolor-to-the-next-level/

 

 

Tamae Ishii at Examiner.com wrote a lovely article about highlights being a wonderful accessory not only for summer, but for winter as well.

Winter highlights, the ultimate beauty accessory

 This fall, instead of buying a new winter hat or scarf, why not try some winter highlights as your “accessory” for the season? After all, your hair is always an important part of your look and beautiful highlights are a great way to add a dose of sunshine into your cold winter days.

 

I decided to try this new winter “accessory” myself, but I was a bit reluctant about getting highlights due to an unfortunate experience years ago where I got highlights and ended up with the dreaded brassy red hair that is common when Asian hair is processed incorrectly…

 

Enter Sherry Ratay, internationally acclaimed celebrity hair colorist and award winning color expert. I knew I would be foolish if I didn’t allow her to highlight my hair and ladies I was not disappointed! Fearing the brassiness that I received in the past, I was pleasantly surprised to see glamorous, beautiful results without a hint of red-orange in sight. Just beautiful caramel colored shimmering highlights expertly applied by Sherry who also took into consideration that I did not like high maintenance hair and therefore did not start the highlights too close to my roots where there would be a visible outgrowth.

 

Sherry carefully studied where my hair fell naturally before starting so that she could determine the best placement for each highlight and used an exclusive line of hair color called MAC (Minardi Artistic Colorists) which did not have the strong chemical smell of most hair color, always a plus.

 

With over 20 years of experience behind her and having been featured in publications such as Vogue and Modern Salon, Sherry splits her time between her home in Florida where she owns the luxurious “Salon Ratay” and New York’s Julien Farel Salon on Madison Avenue. Her celebrity clients include Audrina Patridge, Lacey Chabert and Sonja Morgan among others.

 

As Sherry says, “hair color is the ultimate beauty accessory” and I agree. Make an appointment for your perfect winter “accessory” by calling the Julien Farel Salon located at 605 Madison Avenue, 212-888-8988.

http://www.examiner.com/article/winter-highlights-the-ultimate-beauty-accessory





 

Sherry Ratay's Bi-Anual Color Forum

     Several weeks ago, I hosted my second in-salon Color Forum! It was an exciting day full of education and color conversation. The conversations are about what makes us money behind the chair: clients with gray hair, fading redheads, oxidizing blondes, brassy brunettes, the list goes on. We also covered a key fact, the truth about hydrogen peroxide. (this is a touchy one)

     Our day started with our beautiful model Julia. Julia came in as an icy summer blonde, now that we are in fall it was time to move her into more warmer shades. I brightened her foundation with Joico Base Breaker and created dimensional ribbons of strawberry using the Beth Minardi Signature shades Demi-Crème.

    Maryann is a very special client of mine and a client we all have behind the chair, "gray coverage". I touched up her base with Beth Minardi Signature shades permanent dye 1 oz. of 4R, and 1 oz. of 4BB, giving her soft lift AND 100% gray coverage without giving her hot roots.

   Our next model was Maria, who too was a gray coverage touch up. Maria is 60% gray, instead of using permanent dye to cover her gray I used a demi-permanent crème. I transitioned Maria's dimensional color into fall shades of Autumn Harvest. It was absolutely breath taking!

 
Pictured above -- Julia
 
     Last, but not least was my husband Michael. There is  nothing worse than seeing a man that has just colored his hair and it is the color of "black shoe polish".  When working with male clients I reach for Beth Minardi Signature shades Demi-Liquid....I only wanted to blend away his gray....NOT COVER COMPLETELY. I must say, it now looks perfect!

Pictured right -- Maria

 Pictured left -- Michael

 
      Now with so much being covered, there are three points of conversation that were my favorite!
- First, covering gray with a demi-crème instead of permanent dye.
- Second, making sure that you, the colorist, are choosing the appropriate shades for your guests skin tone and eye color.
- And last, but certainly not least, the truth about hydrogen peroxide.
 
Looking ahead to future Color Forums, I will be discussing allergies to hair color dyes and paraphenylenediamine! 

 

Q&A with Beauty and the Feast's Editor-in-Chief Shyema Azam!



Shyema's finished color and style.

During my past trip to New York, I had the pleasure of working with Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Beauty and the Feast Blog, Shyema Azam. I created ribbons of beautiful, blended pieces through her mid-lengths and ends. After Alicia finished her gorgeous blow out, we sat down and discussed hair color!

 Beauty and the Feast: What are some trends for Fall/Winter with hair color?
Sherry Ratay: Brunettes are the HOT this season! That doesn’t necessarily mean that blondes and redheads are a no go. For the fall/winter, blondes need to incorporate some deeper blonde pieces or even consider adjusting from a pastel to a cashmere Blonde.
BATF: What is the most requested service?
Ratay: Ombre has and will be for a while the most requested service in my salon. But here is what is different with it now — think softer variations of color. Not so stark in the dark-to-light!
BATF: What are some tips for some one nervous to color their hair for their first time?
Ratay: Always go on recommendation! If you see someone’s color you love, stop and ask them who does it.
BATF: How does one prepare for the appointment?
Ratay: When I have someone sit in my salon chair for the first time, there are many things I look for personality, existing hair color, skin tone, and eye color. These few things help direct me for the PERFECT selection of shades and application for this one particular client. I LOVE when a new client comes in prepared with photos of haircolor she likes and dislikes, this is a huge part of helping my client feel comfortable during the consultation process.

 

To read more of Shyema's article, follow the link to her website! http://beautyandthefeastblog.com/2013/10/31/celeb-colorist-sherry-ratay-talks-hair-trends-spoiler-ombre-is-still-going-strong/





Shyema and I. 

Make your mark in New York and you are a made (wo)man. -- Mark Twain

My first week in New York City at Julien Farel Salon on Madison Avenue was fabulous!

I had the pleasure of working on many beautiful ladies, one certain editor who stood out the most was Jennifer Peros of US Weekly! As Jennifer came in I greeted her immediately and noticed her beautiful eyes, they were a terracotta brown. Looking through her hair I noticed she had 3 months of regrowth. The previous hairdresser she was seeing was lightening her base, it wasn't bad but it certainly wasn't great.

Throughout our color conversation I started formulating in my head. I had it all envisioned in my mind's eye, I was going to create some interior depth by erasing the light brown. By the time I was finished her hair was a deeper velvety brown with soft lighter pieces running through and kissing her front frame. She looked absolutely fabulous leaving the salon!



While Jennifer was in my chair we also chatted about Real Housewives of New Jersey star Melissa Gorga. Jennifer asked me if she should she be that blonde? No! I explained to her that doesn't mean she cant wear lighter shades within her hair color, just not that MUCH! (Gorga is pictured to the left.) 

 

I must admit I have a slight weakness for Designer shoes, Italian handbags, and the lingerie of Agent Provocateur! Each visit to New York City I make my way down Madison Ave to do a little shopping. Of course my first stop is a visit to Agent Provocateur , it is a must you check it out!  

 

  

 

 

For me a visit to New York isn't complete without seeing Central Park. What made this trip even more special was that my designer, Alicia Delbrey has been to New York many times, but has never been to Central Park! So in our spare time I made sure we took a stroll through the park enjoying those famous New York City hot dogs. As always, it was serenely beautiful!

 

 

Please read about another one of my guests I had this visit: http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/the-powder-room/2013/09/stylist-review-daily-newser-pays-celebrity-colorist-sherry-ratay-a-visit

 
 
 

Lights, Camera, Beauty!

So let's talk about the photo shoot we just did here at Salon Ratay! I selected six unique looking young ladies from a bombshell blonde to a fierce red. The day started at 7am with clean faces and freshly colored hair (and a whole lot of coffee)! We immediately dove into setting the hair and painting faces. With Salon Ratay's trademark model, Chrissy, ready to go the lights of the camera began flashing.

As we wrapped up with each model's beauty look, my mind and creativity was ready for the editorial looks. As the smell of hairspray filled the air, vibrant and chic makeup pigments flying with trendy braids for our editorial collection, now... I must say, they are head turning, jaw dropping and absolutely fabulous!

A blonde, brunette and a redhead...

 

 

Chrissy, our blonde bombshell, is absolutely stunning! Look at her soft olive skin tone and her crystal blue eyes. Her beauty is classic and soft, similar to actress Rachel McAdams.

 
 

  

Paige, our beautiful brunette with her striking dark features and mocha-colored hair and soft dimension reminds me of the ever beautiful Sandra Bullock.

 Radiant redheads are always a favorite of mine. When I look at Cali with her porcelain skin and steel blue eyes, I am reminded of the flawless Christina Hendricks. 

 

 

       

              Fall is in the air!

Hair color trends for this fall season will include multi-tonal shades. From gorgeous brunettes with ribbons of raspberry or classic reds with pieces of sunset hues and stunning blondes with honey rich tones. 

 

 

Fierce and Fabulous!

This fall is all about texture, texture and more texture! The runways displayed an array of undone textures. Everything from barely-there waves, insta-bangs, messy low ponytails and deconstructed buns!

Sherry Ratay Takes New York City!

 

After careful consideration and much time thinking, I am making the move for my second work home from Beverly Hills to the Big Apple! New York City… here I come!

 

While I loved working in Beverly Hills, I decided it was time to start working down a different avenue of the beauty industry. I will be focusing on being published in fashion magazines like, Vogue, W, and etc.


In addition to moving salons, I have chosen a new PR firm based out of New York City. I will be working with Haute PR. We are working hand in hand to reach my goals of being featured in fashion magazines, as well as beauty industry magazines.


I have found my second home in the salon of Julien Farel on Madison Avenue. I am so excited to be working alongside such talented people.


I am excited about my new endeavor and can’t wait to share all of my experiences with you along the way! And if ever you’re in New York City, visit me and I will create beautiful, believable hair color for you.
 

Devon Rachel's experience at Gavert Atelier with me....Gorgeous Blonde shades.

Photos by: Sydne of Sydne Style
| Dress: Bebe c/o | Shoes: Rebecca Minkoff | Bracelets + Ring: David Yurman | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Lipstick: 'Funny Face' by Nars

I'm so excited to finally reveal my new hair cut + color to you guys! Out with the old and in with the new! I did away with the long craziness and ombre mess and opted for a fresh, lighter, airy cut and color. I was just sick of the mess and honestly I had never seen my hair so dark. It just wasn't me.

Luckily, the fabulous colorist Sherry Ratay completely understood where I was coming from. She mixed up three concoctions and did more work on my hair than I've ever had done color wise. I was in the dryer, out of the dryer, in the dryer half way, then out. It was a lot of moving around but Sherry created this crazy cool darker honey blonde that I wanted! She's basically a genius. And my hair felt like cashmere when I left. No joke.

Then it was on to Mika, my love! She's definitely a genius when it comes to hair cutting. She cuts your hair dry! Yep, you heard right. Mika has perfected this cut and she's just a doll to be around. I'm always excited to see her and pry for information about what celebrity's hair she's styled recently. Especially since it's awards season! Basically, Mika is also amazing and helped me get some shape back into that mess of a do I used to have! 

As far as fashion goes: I styled this look for the Bebe blog (check it out to see why I styled it for Valentine's day). I loved the mod feel and always like to take a different route when it comes to sometimes cliche holidays. Hope you guys like it! :)

Happy Friday!

According to Kimberly!

 

January's Featured Interview is with none other than celebrity hair colorist Sherry Ratay - an internationally acclaimed, award-winning color expert and salon owner. With her 20 years of expertise Sherry has been featured in Vogue, Modern Salon, American Salon and Behind the Chair along with other abroad publications sharing her passion for haircolor.

What makes Sherry stand out?

Sherry Ratay has made a name for herself out of her Salon - Salon Ratay in Orlando, Florida. She has colored the hair of Hollywood Starlets like Audrina Patridge, Lacey Chabert and many more which has lead up to a high demand on her expertise of coloring. Sherry colors the “Ratay Way” which is all about taking in all of the person’s qualities and enhancing them by adding the most important accessory one has - their hair.

Where is Sherry located?

Sherry currently resides in Central Florida where her luxurious salon, Salon Ratay, is located and was named #1 hair colorist by Orlando Magazine. As the Ratay brand develops Sherry also travels bicoastal for her LA clientele.

Sherry's best hair color advice?

When choosing the perfect shade for your hair…it is ALWAYS a must to first understand what would look best with your eye color, skin tone, and of course your existing natural hair texture and haircolor. Just because the TREND says it’s a trend DOES NOT mean that it is a perfect choice for you. Seek your Professional recommendation from your Haircolorist.

Sherry's hair color predictions for 2013?

We can all say that the ombre’ is still alive and happening but what I see happening is my version of the European Ombre’. Which is exactly this….deep dark chocolate shadow on the regrowth with the ends reflecting shades of soft terra cotta, or Raspberry Truffle shadow on the regrowth with the ends reflecting to shades of the Pacific sunset, or even with blondes…..tawny medium blonde on the regrowth with the ends softly taking on the shades like corn silk. Now that’s beautiful sexy haircolor…and I must say touchable! 

How to stay up to date with Sherry? 

Follow her on Facebook (Salon Ratay) / Twitter (@sherryratay) / Instagram (@sherryratay), of course!  

Coming up next? My personal hair coloring experience with Sherry Ratay (including pics) will be up shortly so keep an eye out. ;)

 

http://www.accordingtokimberly.com/ 

HOW TO: Blonde, Brunette, Red With Beth Minardi Signature Color

Thank you ModernSalon.com for sharing my beautiful models.  These models below show my way of creating beautiful perfect shades with Blondes, Brunettes, and Redheads.  Please enjoy.....

Sherry Ratay, owner of Florida’s Salon Ratay, is also a renowned colorist and educator who teaches nationally as a Minardi Artistic Colorist. She created these finishes to showcase how colorists can develop results that enhance a client’s existing look, rather than giving her a complete makeover. Using the newly launched Beth Minardi Signature color, which features 56 dimensional, high-shine shades.

 Red on Red
Model Taylor’s Natural level 3 hair was previously 80-percent highlighted to an orange/yellow.
Step 1: Fill hair with BMS liquid (Beth Minardi Signature shade) 1 ½ oz 6CG + 1 ½ oz 8C + 3 oz of 5 volume developer.
Step 2: Process for 10 minutes under heat and 10 minutes at room temperature, shampoo hair and dry.
Step 3: Alternate lowlights with these four formulas.
•    Joico Chrome 2oz RC6 + 1oz RB4 + a touch of RO with Activator
•    Joico K-Pak 7XR +  20-volume developer
•    BMS (Beth Minardi Signature shade) 6RC + 20-volume developer
•    Equal parts of Joico Orange and Red Intensifiers
Step 4: Process for 45 minutes, shampoo hair and dry.
Step 5: Glaze with BMS liquid 1oz 4RR + 1oz 8C + 2 oz 5-volume developer. Process for 10 minutes.

Lit From Within
Model Alyssa’s Natural level 5 hair was taken to a healthy, shiny result with a natural finish.
Step 1: Alternate highlights with these three formulas
•    BMS 2 oz 12 Ice + 2 oz 20-volume developer
•    BMS 2 oz 10BB + 2 oz 20-volume developer
•    BMS 2 oz 9 Ice + 2 oz 20-volume developer
Step 2: Process for 45 minutes, shampoo and towel dry
Step 3: Glaze entire head with BMS liquid 3 oz 10G + 3 oz 5-volume developer. Process for 10 minutes.








 Blonde on Blonde
Model Chrissy’s Natural level 5 hair, which floated up to a Level 8 in the front, was enhanced with a combination of Vero Lights and BMS.
Step 1: Highlight with Joico Vero Lights + 20-volume developer, lifting to pale yellow.
Step 2: Lowlite with Joico 1 oz G6 + 1 oz 9BG + 2 oz 5-volume developer
Step 3: Shampoo and towel dry.
Step 4: Glaze with 1 oz Joico Chrome B9 + 1 ½ oz Activator. Process for 10 minutes.

Watch my video explaing my thoughts and ideas of why I selected the shades and haircolor lines that I did certaion Haircolor and applications to create my looks.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=QmB4MatO52A